We’re into the dog days of summer, but it’s not too late to make some easy upgrades to your website before students arrive in the fall! Here are some ideas for easy fixes you can do right away.
1. Take A Look At Other Websites
Have you looked at other college’s websites recently? It’s important to keep up with the competition! Things to look for include ease of navigation, forms, scheduling, user interface and graphic appeal. What things do other sites do better? Identifying areas that could use improvement is a good place to start.
Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash
2. Refresh Images
How long has it been since your site’s photos were updated? Updating photos and graphics is the most impactful way to make a noticeable visual change. And it doesn’t have to be costly. Check with your university newspaper or yearbook. See if staff or students can take some photos. Or look into some of the free or low-cost stock photo sites, such as freeimages.com, freedigitalphotos.net or unsplash.com. Make sure images are crisp, use lighting well, and appear professional and appealing.
3. Review Content
Read each page and check for inconsistencies and any out of date information. Inaccuracies on your website, however minor they may seem, cause frustration for your site visitors and don’t make a good impression.
4. Check Social Media Strategy
Which social media platforms are working for you? Which aren’t? Are there new social media outlets where you should be participating? Take a look at how Rutgers University has mapped their social media strategy for ideas!
It’s easy to forget about refreshing your site’s content if you’re not receiving complaints. But remember — new content improves your site’s image, keeps information up to date, and increases SEO. Make an annual review & refresher part of your website maintenance plan!